If you looking best brightest tactical flashlight for next trip then it is for you, No matter if you are an outdoor enthusiast, a member of law enforcement or a professional worker; you understand the value of a good quality light in times of need. Regular flashlights fill the shelves of local supermarkets and handy-man stores, offering users often times cheap, clunky and unreliable options. However, finding the best tactical flashlight can be more challenging and finding honest, situational reviews of tactical flashlights can be even more difficult.
We understand that your desired use of the device may be different than our next reader. Our aim is to provide you with comprehensive tactical flashlight reviews, providing you with the tools to make an informed decision to meet your needs. All of the products we recommend are of high-quality and made for users who need more out of their tactical equipment.
There are a lot of different reasons why you might need a high lumen flashlight. Perhaps you live in a rural area where the only light is from the moon and your trusty flashlight. Maybe you work an evening security detail, or you just want a solid flashlight for when you walk the dog late at night. Whatever your needs are, we’ll help you find the top high-intensity Brightest tactical flashlight!
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What Makes a Quality Tactical Flashlight?
There is a lot of noise when it comes to judging a flashlight’s brightness output. If you don’t care what the difference is between LED and an Incandescent is feel free to fly past this part.
- Lumens & Candlepower:- The lumens of a light measure the bulbs output. This is important to note, just because a flashlight claims it has a max output of 1000 lumens doesn’t mean it operates at that level. It’s not uncommon to compare flashlights side by side that have identical lumen ratings only to find one of the lights is significantly brighter. Why would a company advertise a 600-lumen flashlight that only operates at 300 lumens? Cheap flashlights will often do this because if their light operated at 600 lumens it would only last for 25 minutes.
- Peak Beam Candlepower:- We also want to consider the beam distance. The beam distance will tell us how far the light source will extend. This is obviously extremely important and dependant on the use of the tactical flashlight. If you are someone who is looking for the best tactical flashlight for hunting at night, a high beam distance will be important to you. If you are someone who is looking for a tactical flashlight to accompany a handgun for home security, beam distance might not matter as much. This measures how bright, the brightest spot on a focused beam of light is. This metric is rarely given and again, can be pretty misleading. A tighter beam will have more candlepower than a flood style light.
- Physical Specs:- We also want to take into consideration the weight and length of the flashlights. Again, it depends on what you plan to do with the device, but obviously the lighter the better to the point where durability is affected. Same with the length, if you are attaching a tactical flashlight to a rifle, a longer light will work out well. Attaching your tactical flashlight to a handgun? That light you bought for your rifle won’t work.
What Is The Difference: LED and Incandescent
Without getting Bill Nye on you the short answer to this question is LED lights were revolutionary when they were developed because they provide 100,000’s of working hours. Incandescent bulbs are going to have a much shorter life expectancy but generally can outperform an LED in terms of distance and power.
Now, you may be wondering if this is an article about the brightest flights why are most of the LEDs? In most cases the brightest Incandescent lights are impractical. There is not a lot of purposes to have a light that throws out a ton of.[/wpsm_titlebox]
List Of Brightest Tactical Flashlight Reviews
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High Lumen LED Flashlight: Streamlight 88040 ProTAC HL High Lumen
I’ve found time and time again that Streamlight really is the best of both worlds. They don’t necessarily have the brand power that Surefire does and they’re not as cheap as some of the MagLite products but they seem to have found their niche: high-quality products at fair prices.
I can’t say the tactical flashlights they manufacture are cheap because $70 for a flashlight isn’t cheap but man do they work and do they ever work well.
Durability
When you hear stories of $80 flashlights breaking within a year and the manufacturer fails to honor the warranty you love this kind of statement.
Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty warrants this product to be free of defect, including the LED, for a lifetime of use. Switches and electronics have a two (2) year warranty with proof of purchase.
Needless to say, Streamlight stands behind the products they build. Like some of the other high-end lights, we review the Streamlight 88040 ProTAC is manufactured from high-grade aluminum with an anodizing finish. and the glass is tempered.
Lumens, Settings and Battery Life
The 88040 offers three settings, low, high and strobe. Low: 33 Lumens -18 hrs – 60m High 600 Lumens – 1h 15min – 250m Strobe 600 Lumen – 2h 30mins – 250m It also has a momentary on switch, which is handy in a wide range of practical situations.
Overall 88040 ProTAC HL High Lumen
At just $75 this is one of the best high lumen Brightest tactical flashlights on the market. There are others, which are comparable, but none that are in the same price range as the Streamlight 88040. It received 4.7/5 stars which is pretty remarkable for so many reviewers.
- Compact size at just over 5 inches
- High/Low/Strobe modes
- TEN-TAP Programming to choose your preferred operating mode
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The World’s Brightest Tactical Flashlight: The TORCH
Wicked laser’s advertises their product The TORCH as the world’s brightest flashlight. It is an incandescent bulb that produces a whopping 4100 lumens of white light.
While many high-end lights offer lifetime warranties the TORCH only offers a year warranty. The other downside to this flashlight is the bulb has an expected life of 2000 hours. Granted, 2000 hours is a long time and depending on how you’re using it could last a lifetime. However, if you’re in an occupation such as search & rescue that requires constant use of a flashlight it’s only going to take a few short years to burn it out.
The TORCH does have some upside, it’s light is unlike anything I’ve ever seen from other flashlights. They claim it’s powerful enough to fry an egg, and while I’ve never tried this, this video does the job for us.
Generally speaking when folks ask for recommendations on a bright flashlight I usually initially recommend some of the brightest LED flashlights. If you’re going to shell out $100+ for a high end flashlight you want to make sure you’re going to have it for the rest of your life.
- Compact LED flashlight emits 95 lumens with a two-hour runtime on two AA batteries
- Aerospace grade aluminum body with a non-slip textured exterior
- Impact resistant LED lamp module; push button tail switch
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ThruNite TN12 Flashlight 1050 Lumens
Unlike some of the competitors, Thrunite’s top-selling lights are all their most powerful lights. They’re not cheap but they’re durable and throw a ton of light.
Durability
The TN12 is constructed out of aircraft grade aluminum and is watertight. The surface has been anodized as you would expect with any high-quality light. Finally, the glass is tempered which helps absorb the shock if you do happen to drop this light.
To sum it up, if you drop this off a ladder it’s not going to break. If you’re going to pay for all those lumens it better damn well not crack on the first impact. It’s a little heavier at 2.2lbs than some of the slimmer tactical flashlights we cover but chances are you can manage the extra pound.
Lumens, Settings and Battery Life
This is an article about the most powerful flashlights on the market, the lumens is likely what interests you. This sucker throws off 1050 lumens and has great range at 218m. It’s entertaining to turn off all the lights in your house and then flood it with this light.
If your flashlight gives off 2780 lumens, you’re going to want multiple settings. The ThruNite TN30 has 6 settings, ranging from 1lm. to 2780lms. 0.3 lm 1585hrs20 lm 74hrs280 lm 2.5hrs800 lm 1.5hrs 1050 lm 1.5hrs
And the last setting it comes with is a strobe function which throws 1050 lumens and lasts two hours. It’s worth noting these runtimes are based 2x 18650 batteries which are top of the line.
Overall ThruNite TN12 Flashlight
The ThruNite TN12 is a beast. For everyday use, this is a terrific flashlight that I would recommend to anyone outside of military and police officers. There are a number of reasons I can’t recommend this light for servicemen and women. First off the number of settings is a little much to swap through. Also, I find flashlights such as the Streamlight to be a little easier handle and not to mention if you want to rig one of these up to a firearm that’s clearly not going to work.
With all that said, if you’re an avid outdoorsman, need a high-quality flashlight around the farm or want a powerful beam if you’re walking in rural areas at night the ThruNite delivers. Overall it received 4.6/5.0 stars on Amazon.
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Fenix TK76 High Lumen LED Flashlight: The Mothership
“FENIX TK76 2800 Lumen Triple Beam CREE LED Flashlight with Two Smith & Wesson LED CaraBeamer Clip Lights and EdisonBright Battery Sampler Pack”. That’s a hell of a product description.
Durability
Truthfully, I’m not sure what you could possibly need this light for except for the simple fact that it’s badass and spills a ton of light.
As is the case with almost every solid flashlight on the market it’s manufactured out of aircraft aluminum, anodized to harden the outside and the glass is tempered to make it shatter resistant. Notice I didn’t say “proof,” I said resistant, so don’t take a hammer to it you will be able to break it.
Lumens, Settings and Battery Life
The ridiculous part about this flashlight is it actually has 3 separate bulbs. It features 2 Cree XM-L2 LEDs and one Cree XM-L2 T6 LED light. You can flick between general mode and tri-mode which toggles between using three heads or just a single head. From there you can choose between four separate modes, with a maximum output of 2800 lumens and a minimum of 7 lumens.
It also has a button which allows you instantly toggle between strobe and the normal setting. On the lowest setting, the flashlight will last for 20 hours, while on the highest setting (tri-mode turbo) it will last just over an hour.
Overall FENIX TK76
The TK76 is a fantastic piece of equipment but it is a little bit overkill. There aren’t a lot of practical situations, which I can see the FENIX TK76 excelling in. Search and rescue workers might find the flood functionality to be useful in light with such immense power.
Overall, I would probably opt for something a little bit smaller that has fewer features.
- Max 2800 lumen turbo output from four 18650 batteries (NOT INCLUDED) throws light over 450 meters
- Six outputs including Turbo-2900 lumen (1hr 15min), High-1200 lumen (4hr), Medium-450 lumen (12hr), Low-25 lumen (200hr), strobe and SOS
- Easy to use side dual controls, balanced compact body design
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Bright Tactical LED Flashlight: BARSKA BA11630 – 1200 Lumen High Power LED Tactical Flashlight
The highest lumen tactical flashlight I was able to find was the Barska BA11630. However, after additional research, this would NOT be the product I personally would buy.
Durability
After doing my research I quickly discovered the BA11630 isn’t made with the same quality materials as some of the other manufacturers. This may sound like lip service more than anything else but using aircraft grade aluminum followed by an anodizing process is critical. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that the majority of the complaints are based on the flashlight being dropped or mishandled and then suddenly it stops working.
The tube diameter of this flashlight is 1” so technically you could mount it on most standard weapon mounts. I would advise against testing it on an AR or a shotgun, even a pistol might rattle it to the point where it no longer works.
Lumens, Settings and Battery Life
Admittedly this light does produce a massive amount of light, and it’s rated for 1200 lumens. There is nothing in a similar price range that can touch that. However, there is a good reason for this, the overall quality of the light has suffered.
One positive is it comes with rechargeable batteries which is a significant enough investment to mention. At the highest setting, it runs for 2 hours, while at the lowest setting it runs for 6 hours.
Overall BARSKA – BA11630
Reviewers have given this product 3/5 stars which is suspect at best. What’s even more significant about this product is the number of reports of the flashlight breaking and then BARSKA not honoring there one year warranty. As an aside, high-end flashlight manufacturers will offer more than a one year warranty on a tactical flashlight.
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Pelican Tactical Flashlights
Pelican Products Ltd. was founded in 1976 and ever since they have been dedicated to making quality products. Dave Parker was an avid scuba diver who became tired of faulty equipment that failed or leaked. He decided to be the one to provide that to the world. Pelican Products was born and has become a global leader in design and manufacturing of Brightest Tactical flashlights and other products.
Pelican’s mission is that they are “…dedicated to growing globally by providing quality products and services that add value to (their) customers..” They work constantly to fulfill this through consultation with the clients and re-evaluation of their products. Pelican also offers a lifetime warranty on all of their flashlights, so you know that they will stand by their product. Their product line is vast, but below there is a description of some of their most popular flashlights.
2360 LED Tactical
2360, is a definitely a flashlight that gives you a bang for your buck. This is a very inexpensive model that still packs a powerful beam of 95 lumens for two hours. Often cheaper models skimp on the distance of the beam in an effort to cut costs, but 2360 still can light up 139 meters ahead making it a very good choice. The light is easily operated by a push button on the tail. This positioning makes it very convenient and quick to operate.
Pelican products are known for their quality, and 2360 is no exception. It is made of aerospace grade aluminum and is impact resistant to add to its hardiness. This beauty is also waterproof to a water rating of IPX7 (immersion up to one meter). 2360 Tactical is the good option for those needing a hands-free flashlight as it has a clip that securely attaches to a hat brim or pocket. Overall a great value!
- Compact LED flashlight emits 95 lumens with a two-hour runtime on two AA batteries
- Aerospace grade aluminum body with a non-slip textured exterior
- Impact resistant LED lamp module; push button tail switch
Best UV Tactical Flashlight
One wavelength shorter than that of visible light, a little longer than X-Rays and in the range of 10 to 400 nanometers, Ultraviolet light is the next best thing when it comes to a great flashlight.
They’ve been around since 2006, and today you’ll find that the market is flooded with Ultraviolet Flashlights. The problem is that when trying to invest in one, the choice might seem a little overwhelming. That’s where we come in. We’re here to help you narrow down the search with our pick of some of the best UV Flashlights on the market today.
So What Are UV Flashlights Used For?
Also known as black lights, UV flashlights have a wide variety of uses.
- They can be used to detect fraudulent documents
- The can be used to see watermarks
- The can help you to read invisible ink
- They are used by law enforcement to investigate crime scenes
- They can be used to “fluoresce” scorpions and certain minerals
- They can be used to charge glow-in-the-dark objects, such as fishing lures
While most other flashlights are rated using lumens or candela, UV flashlights are rated using nanometers. Generally, UV flashlights only range from 365 nm to 400 nm, due to the limitations on LED. Before you invest in a UV flashlight, however, you need to know exactly what you’ll be using the light for, because not all materials and substances fluoresce under the same wavelength of light.
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UltraFire WF-501 B G60 UV LED Flashlight
Why We Love It:
- It’s water and shock resistant with O-rings sealed on both ends
- It has a hard anodized finish (constructed with a highly durable 6061T CNC aluminum) which makes it
extremely corrosion resistant
- We love the sleek look and the super light weight of only 104 grams.
Is There Anything NOT To Love?
- Some customers have, in very rare scenarios, reported that the light they ordered had not been fitted with a real UV light, so always makes sure you buy it from a reputable dealer
Should You Buy It?
Yes! If you need a small little super-powerful LED UV Flashlight, the UltraFire is a great choice that will fit just about any budget.
- One Powerful Cree LED, the uv flashlight are clearer and larger area to fluoresce dried urine, stains , odor of dogs small animals on...
- The ultroviolet blacklights can easily spot Scorpions, authenticate currency, driver license, official identification cards, passports
- Brighter with fairly foused output for this urine detector: emits 395nm wavelength with one quality ultraviolet led light,
Esco-Lite 395 NM 51 UV LED Flashlight
Why We Love It:
- It emits 390 to 395 nm wavelengths of light, giving you enough UV to do all you need to do with a UV flashlight
- It has a 51 UV LED to cover large areas
- Because if it’s illumination spec, it’s great for outdoors use, and customers especially loved how great this UV light is at fluorescing scorpions
Is There Anything NOT To Love?
- Some customers reported that there was an issue with the face of the lens, causing issues when inserting new batteries and then turning it on again
Should You Buy It?
If you need a solid UV flashlight that has some weight to it that makes it durable and tough, then the Esco-Lite is a great option to go for.
- 3 AA Standard Alkaline Battery (Not Included), Rechargeable batteries are not recommended (Size and Voltage is not compatible)!
- 51 UV LED beam covers a larger area than 9, 21 LED lights. Emits UV light in the 390 to 405 nanometer wavelength.
- Perfect for outside use such as finding scorpions and minerals! And it’s useful tool to detect pet urine and do a house deep cleaning.
Scorpio Premium 51 LED 395 nm UV Flashlight
Why We Love It:
- It’s a 51 UV 395nm LED flashlight, which covers more surface area than most other UV flashlights
- It has a water-resistant design, and the body is constructed of a heavy-duty aluminum
- We really love the sheer brightness of this light, and with its included wrist strap, it’s easy to carry around with you or just hook it to your belt
- With a 30 day money back guarantee and a full year warranty, you really do get that added piece of mind that you’re investing in a solid UV flashlight
Is There Anything NOT To Love?
- Because it runs on 3 AA batteries, the power does wear down quickly, the use of C sized bat
teries would have been much more efficient
Should You Buy It?
If you have enough spare batteries to keep the performance as high as possible, then the Scorpio Premium is probably one of the best and brightest UV lights you can invest in. We would happily recommend it.
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Final word On UV Flashlight:– Whether you want to use them for finding out if there are any bed bugs in the sack, go out scorpion hunting at night, see where your cats have been doing the dirty, or simply use them to charge your glow-in-the-dark objects such as fishing lures, UV lights are a great investment to make.
Always be sure that you’re purchasing your flashlight from a reputable seller and that you are in fact buying a REAL UV light and not just a pretty blue light. The market is full of great (and sadly not-so-great) UV lights and these can truly open up a whole new side of life after dark for you!
If we had to pick just one winner, it would be the Scorpio Premium. It DOES cost more than the other UV flashlights we have on this list, but we feel it just puts out that much more. It delivers a great UV light that can be used for just about any application and because it has so many LED’s, it covers a much wider surface area than the other models we mentioned.
The choice, however, is still in your hands, and hopefully, with the help of this article, you’ll be able to make an informed decision when purchasing your new UV flashlight.
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What materials are the top tactical flashlights made of?
You have probably owned a flashlight in the past which was made of plastic or plastic and rubber. Brightest Tactical Flashlights are however made of aluminum as the metal is naturally strong, light-weight and has other properties which make it the best choice for tactical flashlights. If you have ever dropped a plastic flashlight on cement, the result was probably a cracked or completely broken device. Dropping an aluminum flashlight, however, will not result in any damage aside from maybe a chip on the coating.
The coating on an aluminum tactical flashlight is achieved using a process called anodizing. Anodizing is a process used to increase the thickness of the natural layer on the surface of the tactical flashlights making it a stronger and more durable surface.
What type of light is the best for a tactical light?
Most of the tactical flashlights we review are LED flashlights as they provide the most efficient and reliable light source available. Part of the reason for this is because LEDs don’t have a glass bulb which makes them a lot more resistant to damage. You can imagine just how frustrating it would be to have the light bulb in your flashlight break when you need it most.
LED lights are also extremely efficient, lasting thousands of hours longer than an incandescent bulb. LEDs are also fairly efficient on batteries, allowing your flashlight to shine as long as possible, allowing you to not have to worry about lugging a bunch of extra batteries on your hiking or hunting trip.
LED lights come in a variety of different colors based on the Kelvin value of the light source. As the light source reaches higher Kelvin, the color begins to change. The Kelvin value which is optimal for you depends on your circumstances. If you require light when it is foggy, or snowing a lower Kelvin value will actually be helpful.
I am sure you have experienced the way bright lights in fog tend to blend everything together in front of them? That is because white light (3200K – 3850K) tends to scatter whereas an amber color (under 2600K) will help to break through the fog and extend our line of sight. Most of the tactical flashlights we’ll be reviewing are above (4200K) and in good weather conditions will allow users to experience the natural color of objects.
Operating Features
Much like everything else we have discussed, the type of operational features you will be looking for will depend on the type of activity you are participating in.
- Mounting your tactical flashlight? Make sure the rail locating keys match your firearm.
- Carrying your flashlight? Make sure it comes with a holster. Finding one after purchase can be difficult.
- Does your brightest tactical flashlight have controls to adjust brightness levels? Depending on conditions, options can be crucial. Make sure adjustments can be performed hastily.
Perhaps most importantly, we want to ensure that the tactical lights have an instant on/off operation. It should be immediate without delay.
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Fenix PD35 Flashlight
The Fenix PD35 is one of the more expensive products on the market with its list price just over $100.00. However, the PD35 does not mess around with the quality offering users a maximum output of 850 Lumen. A little over 5 inches in length and weighing only 87 grams, it is a compact and extremely bright tactical flashlight.
We tested out the Fenix PD35 along with some of the other models and the strength of the beam is blinding. If you, plan to mount this to a shotgun, prepare to blind anybody who stares at this tactical light in the face as it is STRONG. It has 6 different modes including turbo which has received some complaints as the device does get pretty hot.
It comes with two EdisonBright CR123A lithium batteries although you have the option of using one 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery if you so choose. We stuck with the batteries provided and it lasted about 3 hours, using it on high to medium for the majority of our users.
It also ships with a holster which is pretty basic. The clip on the side of the flashlight can be removed if necessary but I recommend this device mostly as a handheld option for professionals, outdoor enthusiasts, and home security.
- Amazing 960-Lumen turbo mode from two CR123A batteries (included) or 18650 Li-ion battery (not included)
- Six outputs including five brightness levels and strobe
- Rear tail cap includes momentary switch and side button allows for easy mode selection
Maglite S4D016
The highlights of the Maglite S4D016 are many but its indestructibility is what shines brightest. Built with an ultra-strong aluminum alloy case the S4D016 goes through an extensive anodizing process to ensure proper coating both inside and out. Worried about water damage? It features some of the highest quality O-rings at both openings to ensure the batteries and internal components stay dry.
People who have owned Maglite products rave about durability. In some cases, the on/off switch is the first thing to fail on a generic flashlight but Maglite’s switch is rubber coated and weather protected providing you with the confidence you’ll never be left in the dark.
The Maglite S4D016 does not make use of an LED light, opting for an incandescent. It’s well protected so you shouldn’t have to worry about the bulb breaking and its battery efficiency is fantastic. It offers users two different light settings including a light beam and a flood option.
The Maglite is definitely a holstered flashlight. You will not be mounting it to any type of firearm as it is nearly 15 inches in length and weighs just under a pound. However, this unit does seem to double as a pretty sturdy club so if you get into trouble, at least you have something! I highly recommend it for professionals who need a reliable source of light for a great price.
- Superior quality craftsmanship with weather-resistant seals and anodized inside and out for improved corrosion resistance. 4 D Batteries...
- A premium drop resistant and water resistant flashlight renowned for its quality, durability and reliability
- Advanced lighting instrument made in America and built tough enough to last a lifetime with a spare lamp safely secured in the tail cap...
UTG Defender Series 2 in 1 Weapon and Handheld Tactical Light
A more affordable option for those looking for the best tactical flashlight to mount to their firearms, the UTG weapon mount offers users a Lumen output of 126 which from our testing was actually pretty good. We tested it from a variety of distances and were impressed with just how bright this model is compared to other options with similar Lumen levels. It should be noted that this is not an LED tactical flashlight but is home to a 26mm Xenon IRB bulb.
Made of aluminum with a high-quality anodized finish and a combat tactical front head, the UTG weapon mount is made to last. It weighs just under 6 ounces and lengthwise is 6 inches which should make it more than suitable for most long barrel firearms. This particular model is a bit of a crossover providing the user the option of using it as a handheld tactical flashlight if necessary. Just a side note, it does not ship with a holster.
On our trials, its battery operating time was just over an hour of running time in most cases. Obviously, this isn’t a super long time but for the price, you have to give up a little. As for actually turning the device on and off, you have a couple of different option. You can either screw in the back all the way to have it stay on permanently or you can use the push button momentary switch. A final option is to opt for the remote pressure switch that rests in the hand but this does come with some reliability issues intense situations.
None the less, it’s a fantastic tactical flashlight for the price and recommended for those who are looking for something like this but don’t want to spend $150.
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[/wpsm_titlebox][wpsm_titlebox title=”” style=”3″]Coast tactical Flashlight
Coast Products began as Coast Cutlery in 1919, providing quality knives to farmers and ranchers. They have expanded and are now a market leader in premium LED flashlights. With Coast’s variety of products, they are the perfect fit for anyone from a weekend adventurer to Navy Seals or soldiers in Afghanistan.
Producing quality products is the backbone of Coast Products, and to ensure this Coast provides a lifetime warranty for knives, multi-tools, and flashlights. This is always an assurance that their products will stand up to the job, and if they don’t they will be replaced. While Coast Products do offer a variety of options, below are a variety of flashlights for everyday use, exploring caves or even for security details.
HP7 High-Performance Focusing LED
The HP7 is one of the best of its class. This Coast model provides 251 lumens on its high setting, down to 58 lumens on the low mode. Between these two modes it has a maximum run time of 10 hours, so you won’t be stuck in a pinch without light. A unique feature of Coast products is the Pure Beam Focusing Optic System, this feature allows you to easily change focus from a spotlight to a floodlight without hassle or limiting your light source.
The Coast HP7 is a perfect option for those looking for a smaller, powerful flashlight. The HP7 is only five and a half inches long and very light-weight at seven ounces, easily fits in your pocket! The small size does not take away from the quality though. Like most Coast flashlights, the HP7 is made of impact resistant, lightweight aluminum that resists rust and corrosion. The lens is tightly fitted with an O-ring so water fogging up your flashlight will not be a problem. Definitely a great value!
- PURE BEAM FOCUSING: The Patented Pure Beam Focusing Optic technology combines our largest Ultra View Flood Beam with the Bulls-Eye Spot Beam...
- SLIDE FOCUS SYSTEM: The Slide Focus System allow the user to shape the flashlight beams from Flood to Spot modes with a push or pull of a...
- BEAM LOCK SYSTEM: The Beam Lock system allow the user to lock the beam focus in position in flood or spot mode or anywhere in between
PX25 LED Flashlight
The PX25 is a perfect option to have to wait in your toolbox, glove compartment or pocket. It holds a bright, powerful beam at 208 lumens, shining for a distance of 128 meters. This option has a run time of six hours, while this isn’t as long as the ten hours provided by the HP7, it is long enough for those instances of searching in the dark or changing a tire at midnight.
Like all Coast flashlights, the PX25 is very durable. It has an aluminum casing, with a check pattern for optimal grip. The unbreakable LED and rubberized O-ring ensure that the impact and water resistance stands up to the work you are doing. For a low price, there is no sacrifice to value! It still a great flashlight for personal use.
- BULLS-EYE SPOT BEAM OPTIC: Consists of an extremely bright, centered ‘hot spot’ and a very consistent transition halo to increase the...
- HEAVY-DUTY SHEATH: Durable woven material and High Tension elastic sides keep the light secure at all times.
- SPECS: 275 lumen light output, 127 meter beam distance, 1.5 hours. Tested and rated to ANSI/FL1 standards
HP17 TAC LED Flashlight
Saving the best for last, the HP17 is an incredibly powerful tactical flashlight. The HP17 TAC has three modes to choose from; high, low and strobe. At its high setting, it puts out 615 lumens which last for 15 hours, a very bright beam. Even at its low setting, it still provides 64 lumens for a very long life of 51 hours.
There is a strobe function as well, for when emergencies occur or disorientation is necessary. All of these options are easily selected by a push button switch operable by your thumb.
The beam itself has two classic Coast options, the Pure Beam Focusing Optic System and the Bulls-Eye Spot Beam. The first allows smooth focus changes using an adjustment bezel on the handle. The Bulls Eye is a focused spotlight, with feather edges so that movement outside of the spotlight can still be detected easily.
The quality of Coast continues with the HP17 TAC, as it produces another durable tactical flashlight. Like most, it has an aluminum body with cross-hatching for a good grip. The aluminum ensures a rust and corrosion resistant flashlight that will not break down with use. If a problem does occur, the lifetime warranty will be there to back you up. The HP17 TAC is definitely a bright, reliable flashlight that is 100% worth the money spent!
- Light output: High - 615 lumens; Low - 64 lumens
- Runtime: High - 15 hours 15 minutes; Low - 51 hours 15 minutes
- Beam distance: High - 269 meters (882 ft); Low - 47 meters (154 ft)
BlackHawk Tactical Flashlight
Blackhawk has been a source of quality since the beginning. The company found its roots when a Navy seal found himself in a compromising situation because of faulty equipment. A vow was made, that if he got out alive he would make products the “right way”.
The “right way” for Blackhawk tactical flashlight and accessories entails constant research, refinement, and perfecting of their equipment. Blackhawk believes in its quality to the extent that they offer a lifetime warranty for the majority of their products.
As a leading manufacturer of tactical equipment, Blackhawk offers multiple options for those needing gear. These include; body armor, law enforcement equipment, flashlights, and many others. Below we will go over some of the most popular flashlights offered by Blackhawk.
Legacy X6-P
The X6-P is a very basic model by Blackhawk, in the sense that there are no unnecessary frills. The Legacy has an output of 65 lumens for a run time of an hour. While this is less than the next two flashlights discussed, it is enough to do the job. Whether that job is in a security detail, or patrolling the backwoods, a quality flashlight is a necessity.
Like many Blackhawk models, the X6-P has an anti-roll head. This geometric shaping ensures that if you do drop your tactical flashlight, you won’t be scavenging in the dark trying to find it. This model is, of course, covered by the lifetime warranty in case something does happen in a drop situation. All these elements combined, this is an excellent base model to carry with you.
- Extremely lightweight
- Made of durable Polymer
- Provides 65 real lumens of intense White light
Xipho NTX-RH
The NTC-RH is an excellent choice for a weapon mounted light. It can easily be operated ambidextrously by one hand. The LED light provides a powerful 180 lumens, lasting 120 minutes. This model has two different modes, one being constant on and the other being the strobe. When attached to a rifle, the strobe is extremely disorienting for someone on the other end of your barrel.
Attached to a firearm, vibration, and damage is a serious issue. Luckily, the NTX-RH uses a high-impact LED that resists recoils and drops. The carbon fiber polymer body has a stainless steel and black oxide finish that resists scrapes, rust, and corrosion. All in all, a great light that attaches to all firearms with rails.
- Stainless steel & black oxide-finish metal
- Easy-to-use tail cap switch
- 3 functions: momentary, constant & strobe
Legacy L-6V
The L-6V is a quality tactical flashlight. This model has four different modes for extreme customization. At its highest setting, the L-6V provides a powerful 570-lumen beam. There is the medium setting at 220 lumens, ending at low at 20 lumens. The fourth mode is a strobe function, it operates at the max setting of 570, more than sufficient to disorient an attacker or gain attention. There is an additional set of “safety off”, with this you can be sure that your flashlight will not turn on accidentally. All these modes can be easily selected by a rotating switch and a push button to turn it on.
As for the construction of this beauty, the L-6V has an aluminum body with a hard coat anodized finish. This combination makes it rust and corrosion resistant, so you don’t have to worry about decay after use. Within the casing, a multi-faceted reflector makes sure that no light is wasted and tempered glass makes sure it won’t be broken. At 6 inches long and 1-inch diameter, it is an excellent option to keep with you at all times.
- Made of the highest quality materials
- Camping lights flashlights
- Another quality Bushnell product
Streamlight 88031: The Top Tactical Flashlight
Whether you’re law enforcement, avid outdoorsmen or are looking for a high-quality light to keep on your nightstand the Streamlight 88031 is an excellent option. At just under $50 it’s not an enormous investment and you’ll never need to buy another flashlight again. (It’s back by a lifetime guarantee)It really is the cream of the crop when it comes to tactical lights, something we’ve come to expect from one of the better brand names in the market. Streamlight delivers with this compact, yet surprisingly powerful flashlight.
Functionality: 88031 Protac
- Durability:- If you buy a product from Streamlight it’s not going to be the cheapest on the market, however, it will be among the best-manufactured lights you can purchase. Aside from Surefire, another company with a high reputation for building solid products, Streamlight is arguably the best light manufacturer on the market. The flashlight itself is incredibly light and the glass is tempered meaning it won’t break on you on impact. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that this device comes with a lifetime guarantee; Streamlight built this flashlight to last. Made of aircraft aluminum and enhanced with an anodized finish, you won’t have to worry about the exterior getting banged up. The head of the unit also features an anti-roll face cap which can save you a long walk down a steep driveway or can help you in a pressure situation in the case you dropped your light. One thing to note is you can’t fit this into a standard 1″ holder. If you’re looking to mount it on a weapon make sure you purchase an adjustable mount because the diameter is only 0.9″.
- Lumens, Settings, and Battery Life:- The Streamlight 88031 offers 180 lumens. Admittedly, it isn’t the brightest light on the market so if you’re looking for something that’s going to light a field up check out the Surefire P2X Fury Dual Output LED. As you’d expect if you want to go from 180 lumens to 500 lumens and not sacrifice in quality you can expect to pay quite a bit more. This light has three settings; high, low and strobe. On low mode, it provides only 13 lumens and can run for 50 hours. In other words a long time. I’ve used this flashlight while running at night and the low setting works just fine. On high as mentioned earlier it has 180 lumens and a run time of 3 hours. Finally, with the strobe function, it’ll run for 6 hours. The on/off switch is located at the back of the device, which is standard among tactical lights. You can access all three modes with one hand, which is a great feature. All you have to do is tap the light once for the high beam, twice for the strobe function and 3 times for the low beam. The only aspect I don’t like about the on/off switch is the taps. The strobe should always be the last function.
- Streamlight 88031 Overall Review:- Overall, I would rate this product very highly. It does as advertised; it’s not the brightest light on the market but for under $50 that should be expected. Dollar for dollar, this is the best flashlight on the market. You’re probably going to be surprised at how compact and small the device is, it’s hard to believe that it’s producing the amount of light that it does. The only drawback is the strobe function should have been set to the triple tap (you’ll rarely use that function) and it’s you can’t buy a standard 1″ gun mount. Aside from that, this product delivers as promised.
- 350 lumen on high
- Conveniently fits in your pocket at under 5 inches
- High/Low/Strobe modes
UTG 2-in-1 Tactical LED Flashlight with Red Laser
The purpose of a review site is to provide objective reviews. I’m going to start off by saying I wouldn’t purchase a UTG 2-in-1 Tactical LED Flashlight. My primary concern with the unit is the overall construction of it. It seems to me UTG spent too much time worrying about making the weapon look slick and not enough time to worry about the results when you fire your pistol or rifle! If you’re not convinced read on, for the most part, I sing praise for this particular unit. The issue is that it doesn’t matter how good all of the other features are if the damn thing falls apart.
UTG 2-in-1 Tactical LED w/ Laser: Functionality
- Durability:- I just finished a big rant about the durability of the unit. If I had to rate it on a scale from 1 to 5 I would give it a 1, maybe a 1.5 out of 5. Not very good for a pretty expensive weapon light! If you take this to the range (I don’t expect all weapon lights to be range weapon – see the NEBO) you have a high probability of busting either the laser or the LED light before you finish. As I mentioned, I don’t expect every weapon light to be suitable for a firing range. Some weapon lights serve a singular purpose; to defend the homestead. However, if you’re going to buy a light to protect your house in the event of an intruder it shouldn’t cost $60 and it doesn’t need to come equipped with a laser. I’m not against the laser, I’m against paying an extra $30 for a laser that has a tendency to break.
- Lumens:- This light is equipped with a respectable 150 lumens. For indoor uses, this is a fairly substantial amount of light. The laser produces a nice beam as well, it easily crossed my field into the woods (which is at least a few hundred meters) and put a nice light on a target.
- On/Off Switch:- The On/Off switch on the rear of the unit is pretty cruddy as well. In order to keep the light on, you have to keep it pressed in. The other option is to tighten the cap all the way – then the light is on permanently until you unscrew the cap. It does come with a pressure momentary on the switch as well. This feature made me question what this unit was really built for. For an airsoft gun, it makes a lot of sense – however, for practical purposes it doesn’t. Having the ability to turn the light on and off quickly can be advantageous even in a situation where you’re simply trying to defend your home.
- Battery:- This unit used 2 CR123A batteries and last 2 hours. Not much else to say about it, 2 hours is a decent run time.
UTG 2-in-1 Tactical LED Flashlight with Red Laser: Rails and Mounting
This particular UTG unit will fit on any standard Picatinny rail or universal rail. One of the better features is the mounting deck is one of the better features on this unit, as it fits a lot of weapons without standard rails without additional attachments. The laser also can be flipped around to any position which makes this unit suitable for lefties or righties.
UTG 2-in-1 Tactical LED Flashlight with Red Laser Weapon Review
As stated earlier, I wouldn’t recommend this unit unless you want it for Airsoft rifle or you want it purely for aesthetic appeal. I don’t know how practical it is to own any piece of equipment that has a high probability of breaking down. On Amazon, this unit scored 4.1/5.0, presumably because it looks badass. The negative reviews are consistent with my experience; the light broke or the laser broke after unloading a few rounds.
If you’re looking for a high-end robust field light with a red dot I would recommend the Streamlight TLR-4. If you don’t want to cough up the extra $40 I would go in the other direction and purchase a NEBO ProTec for $30 for home protection purposes.
- 2-In-1 tactical 2nd generation Flashlight/Red laser combo with Integral mounting deck and patented QD lever lock
- Genuinely enhanced 400 lumen power upgrade and extended 3 hour runtime
- Class 3R Red laser with textured rubber push-button on/off and remote pressure switch, Includes 4x LR44 batteries; laser output 2. 5~3. 1mW
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Final Thoughts
Depending on what your budget and your needs are there are several powered flashlights on the market. If you are really only interested in the very brightest tactical flashlight the TORCH is your ticket.
Not everyone needs a high lumen flashlight if you’re in the market for a quality light at a reasonable price we recommend the Maglite S4D016. Keep in mind the Maglite isn’t designed for intense weather or environments.
If you think you may want to mount the light on the weapon or you want a slick, durable light for everyday use the 88040 really does outperform the competition in terms of price and quality.
Related Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
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